Chatrang: The Game That Started the Evolution of Chess in the Middle East

Known to be a military game that originated in the early civilizations in India, chess is one of the mind and strategic games that have experienced drastic popularization. It only took few centuries since its creation when it captivated the attention of intelligent and aggressive players in the different parts of the world. Outstanding chess players do not have to wait for a long time to establish great names because world tournaments spawned as early as the 1800s.

The game spread widely in other countries and cultures. Its explosion started in European nations and Russia until after several years, even the nations in the Middle East already gained knowledge about chess. To satisfy our curiosity, it is important that we also explore the history or origin of chess in the Middle East since the game is also famous in the region.

Chatrang, a modified version of chaturanga, started the inception of chess in the Middle East. According to the epic tale known as the Karnamak-I Ardeshir-I Papakan which focuses on the creation of the Sassannid Persian Empire, the adaptation of chatrang is one of the achievements of Ardashir I. Several years passed and people in the Empire observed the transformation of chatrang into another board game which we now know as chess.

Based on historical records, the first game of chess is recorded between a historian and a student from Baghdad in Iraq in the 10th century. There are also manuscripts which contain details of how a political leader from India played chess in the Middle East in the 11th century. The inclusion of the concept of gambling in the early game of chess is observed to be an essential element which is valued by noble people who play the game in ancient times. This fact is supported by evidences gathered by historians which proved how early people in the Middle East gained money from the game.

Modifications in the pieces used in chatrang made chess more distinct. Unlike in chess, chatrang pieces are commonly abstract forms because the culture in the Middle East does not allow people to use animal symbols as pieces in chatrang. Hence, there are evidences which also showed that early people use clay and stones in making chess pieces.

Chatrang played a significant role in the development and evolution of chess in the Middle East. If the Persian Empire did not adapt and made modifications in chatrang, chess will not be developed. There may be other board games which are used by early people in other regions to invent chess. Having a broad background of the game's explosion in different countries is a great help to players to enhance their interest in playing chess.